Allison Mack: Amazon's Lost in Oz Interview

Former Smallville star Allison Mack lends her voice talents to the recently released Amazon animated series Lost in Oz, an updated tale on the classic Wizard of Oz tale from creator L. Frank Baum. From The Wiz to Sam Raimi's Oz the Great and Powerful to NBC's one-and-done series Emerald City, Baum's original story is the gift that keeps on giving, turning out one re-interpretation after another, ranging from dark, high-concept fantasy series to Broadway musical to kid-friendly animated fare. And it's the latter where Mack is involved, taking on the voice of Evelyn, the mother of a young Dorothy in this latest adaptation.

This iteration of the popular tale puts a big emphasis on the importance of magic, and that slight shift in the story makes a considerable change to Dorothy's journey to the magical land of Oz, starting with her reason for being there and the way in which she'll eventually get back home.

The official synopsis from Amazon reads:

"In Lost in Oz, 12-year-old Dorothy Gale discovers her mother’s magical travel journal hidden beneath the floorboards of their Kansas home. The book triggers a tornado, which rips her house from its foundation and transports Dorothy and her dog, Toto, to Emerald City, a bustling, modern, metropolis. In order to get home, Dorothy learns she must acquire every element on Oz’s “periodic table of magic” – while the city faces the worst magic drought in eons! Along the way, Dorothy and Toto meet unlikely allies in West, Ojo, Reigh the Lion, Scarecrow, and Glinda the Good, who are each eager to help, but struggling with their own problems. Together, they navigate the magical landscape of Oz while undergoing their own unique journeys of self-discovery."

According to Mack, this new take makes the series the perfect jumping on point for younger viewers, as it updates the story in a way that makes it modern and relatable while also turning Oz into a bustling city full of new and familiar characters. Viewers will certainly recognize Toto and the Scarecrow, but they'll also see a modernized version of the Cowardly Lion – who isn't so cowardly. It's all part of the appeal of this new kids series, as Mack says:

Allison Mack and Erica Durance in Smallville

"Well, it's a new take on the adventures of Oz, and it's something a whole new generation can relate to. The animation itself is so fun and curious and creative. There are tons of new characters involved in this new world of Oz. We never really explored Oz as a city. Here there's a community and problem within the community. We see a drought and the government, and all these different elements that exist with in Oz that was created for the show specifically that really flesh out what it's like to live in Oz and the culture of Oz in a way that we didn't necessarily see in the original film version."

Although Mack is currently busy getting lost in Oz, the actress is aware current trends in television have placed a certain emphasis on both superheroes and revivals of popular series. As such, she's open to the idea of returning to another fictional town filled with larger-than-life characters, provided the right idea makes it possible. When asked whether another trip to Smallville is something she thinks about, Mack said:

"I'm smart enough to know that in this industry, you should never say never. It would take a very specific project and a very specific script to pique my interest. That said: if the right sort of interpretation came along, and all the right ingredients were there, I would not turn up my nose at the opportunity to revisit Chloe."

With Mack lending her voice to Lost in Oz and former Clark Kent Tom Welling joining FOX's Lucifer in season 3, it seems Smallville fans will have to get their fix in these series or by re-watching the original series on Hulu.